This poem is dedicated to my daughter, Deanna, who celebrates her 39th birthday this week.

The year before big changes,
and the big 40 appears.
This is the last of easy,
now you start counting the years.

They say life becomes different,
and your body and mind disagree.
But this is just twenty years of practice,
’til your body turns sixty.

But we know age is just a number,
so enjoy the pleasures of this year.
As you continue to grow in God,
and ring out happy birthday cheer.

I’m so proud of all you’ve done,
at this stage of life.
A mother and nurse,
and a devoted wife.

I hope you enjoy your special day,
and may each day ring clear.
May you celebrate your birthday,
every day this coming year.

This poem is dedicated to my granddaughter, Ella.

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The first year of life,
has its ups and downs.
Sometimes it is full of laughter,
and sometimes, it has frowns.

Time is different on your birthday,
now that you are finally one.
This day is very special,
to be filled entirely with fun.

We’ll have presents and goodies,
cookies, cake, & ice cream too.
But without your teeth,
you’re not able to chew!

This is your first,
and the next is #2.
There will be so much more,
you will be able to do.

Little girls are mommy’s pearls,
multi-colored and shining through.
We do our best to help them grow,
playing games, like peek-a-boo.

Girls are gems we need to polish,
to shine brightly from day to day.
Grandpa & Grandma also help,
to lead and guide along the way.

There’s something special about granddaughters,
that I really can’t explain.
They enter life set on course,
the whole world they have to gain.

But it’s the start of a journey,
and we pray that God sets the course.
Because no better hands can guide,
than the God of all resource.

God knows the path we will travel,
and when we will need a friend.
Because the God of all the universe,
knows the beginning and the end.

God so loved the little children,
not to hinder, but let them come.
They are so precious in His sight,
He knows whom each will become.

To my grandson, Eric John, who turns 14 this week.

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The second start of life,
is your 7 teenage years.
It got off to a fantastic start,
as you’ve conquered doubts and fears.

You’ve accomplished some major feats,
which some said, “It can’t be done!”
But through it all, this summer,
you did it! (And still had fun.)

Now, you’re a year older,
and a year wiser, no doubt.
You’re learning more each day,
what life is all about.

We’re Grandpa & Grandma,
and you really make us proud.
You are really something special,
you stand out in a crowd.

May this be a blessed birthday,
as we celebrate with you.
‘Cause when it comes to next year,
I have no idea what we’ll do.

I thank God,
for every day of your life.
I thank God,
that I can call you my wife.

I thank God,
for your spirit of compassion.
I thank God,
for your godly reflection.

I thank God,
for your love and peace.
I thank God,
that your prayers never cease.

I thank God,
that you hold Him near.
I thank God,
He gives you power over fear.

I thank God,
that you hear His Voice.
I thank God,
for your wisdom of choice.

I thank God,
for your forgiving spirit.
I thank God,
that you never quit.

I thank God,
that He cares for you.
I thank God,
He carries you through.

I thank God,
He picks us up when we fall.
I thank God every day,
for His love for you above all.

This poem is dedicated to my grandson, Jared.

Today seems to ring a bell,
but I can’t seem to remember for who.
Maybe if I ask, someone will tell,
then I’ll know what I should do.

I know this fellow that Grandma knows,
she calls him her young man.
And everywhere that Grandma goes,
he’s there to lend a hand.

When she’s goes shopping, he’s by the cart,
he always knows our needs.
He picks and chooses and does his part,
he’s the young man of good deeds.

He comes to the house to look for me,
he searches high & low.
He’s never sure where I might be,
he looks carefully, to and fro.

I’m starting to remember the friend,
who is very special to me.
If I think really hard, again,
I’ll know who that might be.

I remember now, I’m no longer sad,
and today is the day.
I’ll be so happy, and so glad,
to celebrate Jared’s birthday.

May God bless, especially this day,
as he watches over you from above.
May you always, in every way,
feels God’s presence & His love.

How do you feel, since you gained a year,
and have a lot to do.
I hope that you’re happy & full of cheer,
with enough energy for me & you.

So hop out of bed and onto your feet,
time is a ‘wasting, and much to do.
Today is special, and full of treats,
Happy Birthday Jared, with all of our love to you.

On August 20, a beautiful summer morn,
a very special lady was born.
A woman designed by God’s own hand,
whose footprints are found throughout the sand.

A woman who’d choose to lay down her life,
and have a husband and be his wife.
A woman who’d fit into God’s own plan,
and walk with Him daily, hand in Hand.

We’ll always weather any storm or gale,
His promises are true and never fail.
Jesus lives within our heart,
we love and praise Him and do our part.

His blessings come throughout the years,
amidst the good times and even through tears.
He entrusted two children into our care,
knowing we’d remember He’s always there.

Think of the years and all you’ve done,
think back to where it all had begun.
Half a century has come to pass,
and you’ve done it all in style and class.

We’re very proud of who you are,
to us, you’re a bright and shining star.
Life’s been a mixture of good and bad,
but after all this time, I’m so glad.

We’ve had this life to spend together,
and I only hope I can make it better.
So may He richly bless you dear,
as you celebrate your 50th year.

Originally written for my wife’s 50th birthday in the 1990’s.

A birthday should be full of cheer,
that gets you through from year to year.
But it seems as we get older,
the summer gets hotter, the winter gets colder.

That might just be a sign of aging,
our bodies not used to rearranging.
But birthdays are a blessing in disguise,
to the Christian who is Christ-wise.

So sit down now and enjoy this day,
it’ll be a year before another comes your way.